Barriers still down for disabled drivers as car parks change

Changes to payment methods in the town’s car parks is causing anxiety for some disabled drivers.

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BLUE badge holders are worried they will be unable to use the pay-on-exit car parks when the new technology is launched next week.

Disabled motorists living in Woking borough found out at the executive meeting of the council on Thursday night that they had won the fight to park in the council’s pay-on-exit car parks for free. They will also be able to park for free in the town’s pay-and-display car parks.

Disabled users have been involved in a detailed consultation, which ran from December 19 last year to February 14 this year.

But despite the car park technology going live on March 27, disabled motorists will still have to wait while the council registers their details before season tickets are sent to them.

Users will need to register number plate details, which will be recognised by an Automatic Number Recognition System, allowing the barrier to open and close without the user having to draw a ticket.

Blue badge holders wishing to use the pay-on-exit car parks at present can take a ticket and give their blue badge details to car park staff via an intercom.

Members of the North West Surrey Association of Disabled People (NWSADP) are unhappy about the plans.

Rachel Tallon, director of the association, which is based in Woking, said: “One of our main arguments in the consultation was the barrier car parking system. There are a number of our members who cannot use the barrier system and cannot get the ticket out of the machine.

“This has been a rush job and is going to cause distress. It is excluding disabled people from the community they live in. There are lots of people who come to Woking to use it because it’s an accessible town.”

And while the residents of Woking may be happy they will not be charged, disabled drivers who live in nearby Chobham and West End will have to pay for a permit.

Any disabled drivers who visit Woking and live outside of the borough will have to buy a season ticket. The ticket will cost £50 per year or part year remaining of the three-year blue badge term and then £150 upon renewal for a further three years. If a season ticket is not bought, the hourly car park rate of 90p, rising to £1 next month, will apply.

Blue badge holder and West End resident Christine Batham says because of the new £150 fee, she will no longer be able to come to Woking.

Mrs Batham said: “In future I will have to find a new place to shop. I do fear losing contact with my friends.”

Phil Evans, the council’s parking services manager, said: “We are aware that some members of the community will have some problems with reaching the ticket machines on entry to the car parks. NWSADP has offered to identify those applicants who fall into this category so their applications for season tickets and proximity cards will be fast tracked.

“In the interim, we have a small number of disabled parking bays that are located outside the barriers which could be reserved for those drivers who are unable to use the barrier intercom facility and who could telephone us in advance of their visit.

“Alternatively, if all of these limited bays are already occupied, blue badge holders would be able to park in an on-street parking bay or in the Heathside Crescent pay-and-display car park.”

Blue badge holders will need to complete an application form to register for a season ticket and should contact the council by telephoning 01483 755855.